How Do Electronic Vacuum Controller (EVC) & Pressure Controllers (EPC) Work?
An Electronic Vacuum Controller (EVC) is a device that typically regulates Absolute pressures between 2 psiA and 14.7 psiA (14.7 is atmospheric pressure at sea level). An EVC integrates an absolute pressure sensor with a proportional valve using an electronic feedback loop. The valve in the EVC is connected to a source of high-vacuum on its output port while its input port and vacuum sensor port are connected to a volume whose pressure is to be monitored/regulated. If the pressure in the volume increases, the sensor sends a signal to the valve to open the valve proportionally to reduce the pressure This is one of many configurations that achieve this goal. Talking to a Sales Engineer at Pneucleus can identify the configuration that is right for you.
On the other hand, an Electronic Pressure Controller is a device that generally regulates a pressure range in a volume that is operating above atmospheric pressure. Examples are inside a GC column, a bladder, or a chamber. It ensures that the gas pressure stays at a desired level by controlling how much process gas is supplied to or removed from the system. This style of pressure controller either incorporated a bleed valve or a bleed orifice to reduce the pressure and a valve that injects gas into the volume to increase pressure.
At Pneucleus Technologies LLC, we offer microprocessor-based EVC’s & EPC’s for use in research applications, process industries, and across diverse environments. These controllers can be configured with a gauge pressure sensor which uses local atmospheric pressure as its baseline, or an absolute pressure sensor which uses and internal vacuum cell as its baseline. Our product offering includes vacuum controllers that can report pressure readings, control pressure levels within a customer specified pressure range, or institute failsafe actions when appropriate. For more information, you can contact a Pneucleus Sales Engineer who can answer any question and assist you with identifying the perfect solution.
Key Features and Benefits of Our Digital Vacuum Pressure Controllers
At Pneucleus, we offer a range of compact digital vacuum and pressure controllers—including the MicroPC, DoublePC, and MicroVC—designed to deliver accurate and stable pressure control across a wide range of demanding applications. Here are some key points:
- Our advanced controllers ensure highly stable and reliable performance in systems requiring precise pressure regulation.
- They offer exceptional accuracy and stability, with a typical linearity of ± 0.5 – 1.0% of Full Scale (FS).
- Outstanding repeatability and hysteresis performance with a tolerance of ± 0.08% FS, making them ideal where consistent control is crucial.
- Response time depends on the system’s volume and valve size—please consult the factory for application-specific timing.
- The temperature coefficient is tightly controlled: these devices are temperature compensated from 0–85°C, minimizing error across typical operating ranges.
Applications of Vacuum & Pressure Controllers
Our pressure controllers have a wide range of applications across industries. Here are some key applications.
- Manufacturing and production: Used in semiconductor, automotive, and food industries to maintain precise vacuum levels for coating, molding, and packaging.
- Vacuum pumps and systems: Help regulate pressure in pumps used for controlled environments like drying or degassing.
- Cryogenics: Maintain vacuum to prevent heat transfer in extremely low-temperature systems.
- Laboratories and research: Enable controlled conditions in vacuum chambers, mass spectrometers, and electron microscopes.
- Pharmaceutical industry: Critical for processes like freeze-drying and sterile product manufacturing.
- Food and beverage packaging: Ensure consistent vacuum sealing to extend product shelf life and maintain quality.
Tips to Choose the Right Vacuum & Pressure Controller
Choosing the right vacuum pressure controller for your application needs is crucial to ensure efficient operation, suitability, and reliable performance. Here are some key tips to help you make the right decision.
- Understand your requirements: Identify key needs like pressure range, accuracy, and response time.
- Pressure range: Ensure the controller supports your system’s full pressure range. Our ranges are customer specified up to 150 psi.
- Accuracy & linearity: For precise control, choose models with tight linearity, typically ±0.5% FS.
- Response time: Fast response is crucial for systems needing quick pressure adjustments. However, response time is limited by orifice size of the valve and the differential pressure across the valve.
- Repeatability & hysteresis: Look for low hysteresis and high repeatability (e.g., ±0.35% FS) for consistent performance.
- Temperature compensation: Choose models with compensation features if operating under fluctuating temperatures.
- Energy efficiency: Prioritize low-power devices, especially for continuous use.
- Control interface: Opt for flexible, user-friendly I/O and communication options.
- Support & warranty: Choose manufacturers that offer solid technical support and warranty coverage
Ready to Optimize Your System with Precision Pressure Control?
Explore our line of high-performance EVC’s & EPC’s today. Whether you’re in manufacturing, research, or any industry requiring precise vacuum or pressure control, we have the perfect solution for your needs. For quick answers, Set-up a call with an Engineer at Contact us now
to discuss your requirements, or request a quote to get started!
Frequently asked Questions (FAQs)
What is the typical response time of your vacuum pressure controller?
Response time depends on the volume of the pressure vessel and the size of the valve orifice and the supply pressure. For many applications, our controllers can achieve response times as fast as 150 milliseconds to within 1% of the setpoint, though actual performance may vary—consult the factory for system-specific estimates.
Are there energy-efficient vacuum pressure controllers?
Yes, there are many vacuum & pressure controllers out there which operate efficiently. The controllers minimize energy consumption while ensuring accurate pressure regulation.
How can I get a vacuum pressure controller from Pneucleus Technologies LLC?
You can contact us to discuss your requirements and get a customer specified solution. Simply reach out via our website or contact our sales team for a quote. We’ll help you find the right controller for your application.
How accurate are your vacuum pressure controllers?
Our vacuum pressure controllers typically offer linearity of ±0.5 – 1.0% Full Scale (FS) and repeatability of ±0.08% FS, delivering reliable and consistent performance with minimal deviation from the setpoint.